Thank you for your response. 

The only file in the program Homebase data folder is the cache file.  Last night,after exhausting all the recommended steps on Intuit's site I ended up doing exactly what you recommended - since 2023 was still intact I transferred 2023 to 2024 and will transfer 2024 to 2025 today.  Thankfully, the client file is relatively simple.  A very basic schedule C.  Backing up homebase manually today and checking my local backup to ensure it's working.  Searching through the backups takes as much time as keying in 2024 information.  2025 hasn't been prepared yet.